nitrite

n. [ Gr. &unr_; containing an integer and one third (i. e., 4/3, or in the ratio of 4 to 3); 'epi` upon, over + &unr_; the third: cf. L. epitritos, F. épitrite. ] (Gr. & Lat. Pros.) A foot consisting of three long syllables and one short syllable. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ It is so called from being compounded of a spondee (which contains 4 times) with an iambus or a trochee (which contains 3 times). It is called 1st, 2d, 3d, or 4th epitrite according as the short syllable stands 1st, 2d, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]